simple past/ past continuous

[toddler_]

Hello,

Could you tell me which of the sentences below are correct?

1. She was watching us when she washed the plates.
2. She was watching us when she was watching the plates.
3. She watched us when she washed the plates.

If more than one sentence is correct, could you explain to me what is the difference between them?

Thank you

[Dany]

Hello,

Could you tell me which of the sentences below are correct?

1. She was watching us when she washed the plates.
2. She was watching us when she was watching the plates.
3. She watched us when she washed the plates.

If more than one sentence is correct, could you explain to me what is the difference between them?

Thank you

Hello Toddler,

I would say, that none of your sentences is correct. I will try to explain it to you. She watched at us (for a short time) when she was washing (for a longer time) the plates. So the sentence must be: She watched at us while she was watching the plates.

Hope that helps,
Dany

[matthewpage]

It should be 'she watched us while she was washing the plates'. your last sentence toddler_ is acceptable though.